National Handloom Day 2025: NABARD Event on Assam Weavers
Why in the news
NABARD observed National Handloom Day in Guwahati with a theme about revitalising the rural economy through handloom.
Key facts
- Assam: 12.83 lakh weavers, over 90% women; known for the phulam gamosa.
- State initiatives: Swanirbhar Naari portal, Integrated Handloom Park at Kaziranga, silk tourism in Sualkuchi.
- NABARD aided 8,000+ weavers via skills training, marketing, enterprise promotion and WPOs; it also backs GI registration.
- Talking points: eco-friendly weaving, institutional credit, scheme convergence, exports.
About WPOs
- Weaver collectives that pool resources, gain bargaining power and sell jointly; like FPOs but for handloom.
- Aims: direct market links (no middlemen), cheap bulk raw material, access to schemes, credit and training.
Exam angle
- Day: 7 August; organiser: NABARD; terms: WPO, GI tag.